Dear Sirs,
Once again I am writing to inquire regarding actions to be taken by UNESCO against the Turkish government in response to the forcible conversions of the Hagia Sophia and Christ the Savior Churches in 2020. In the last letter sent to me by UNESCO dated 17 March 2021, it was explained to me that UNESCO sent missions in October 2020 and January-February 2021 to collect “necessary information” regarding the aforementioned Christian monuments. It was also explained to me that this matter was to be discussed “at the next session of the World Heritage Committee”.
I am interested in knowing the outcome of the missions mentioned above and whether the session of the World Heritage Committee has actually met to discuss the outrages undertaken by the Turkish government? As is well known, the former Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Hagia Sophia is in terrible condition as a result of the actions of the Turkish government.
It is not too late to take action to hold the Turkish government accountable but it is very important that all activity be conducted in a timely manner that does not drag on. There is simply no reason why UNESCO cannot and should not make significant noises to inconvenience the Turkish government and to demand that they restore Hagia Sophia and the Christ the Saviour Churches to the status of museums. I remind you that Greek Orthodox Christians consider the ground upon which these two former Churches stand to be sacred.
The Turkish government’s actions have resulted in unspeakable violations of hallowed ground. I respectfully ask for an update on UNESCO’s findings regarding Hagia Sophia and what actions will be taken in light of what UNESCO missions found on their visits to Constantinople in October 2020 and and January-February 2021. Time is of the essence.
Thank You,
Theodore G. Karakostas